M.A. Mortenson Co. selected the design team that will work on the first phase of development of Destination Medical Center’s Discovery Square in downtown Rochester.

RSP Architects and St. Louis-based firm HOK will join Mortenson to begin work on the project, which starts with a biological and life-sciences research building on Mayo Clinic’s research campus. The building is expected to be between 60,000 and 120,000 square feet. Construction is planned to begin late this year.

“RSP and HOK share our vision for Discovery Square and are committed to an inclusive design process,” said Jeremy Jacobs, development executive at Mortenson, in a statement. “We welcome them to our team as we move forward on this tremendous project that will successfully bring together life science research, education, technology and innovation in Rochester.”

RSP and HOK were selected from more than 10 competing teams. RSP has completed more than 300 projects for Mayo, such as the master plan for its library in the Plummer Building in Rochester. It also designed Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, another partnership with Mortenson.

Last summer, Mayo Clinic revealed its vision for the Discovery Square science hub, one of six sub-districts for the Destination Medical Center.

Nicole Norfleet covers commercial real estate along with professional services, including the Twin Cities' thriving marketing, accounting, and legal communities.